The Merritt Centennials kicked off a schedule of four games in six night in the BC Hockey League with a 6-0 loss at the Westbild Centre in Vernon on Tuesday night. With the win, the Vipers take over first place in the Interior Conference.
The Cents weren't able to muster much offence, firing just 19 shots at Vernon goaltender Blake Voth. Ryan Renz led the Snakes with a goal and two assists while Dylan Walchuk, David Robinson and Steven Weinstein each had a goal and an assist.
Tyler Steel made 30 saves for Merritt in a losing cause. Defenceman Billy Marshall saw his six game point streak snapped as the Cents were shutout for just the fourth time this season.
The Centennials went 0-for-5 on the power play while the Vipers were 2-for-4 on the man advantage.
Merritt's next game is Friday in Quesnel as the Cents open a three-game weekend road trip in the Cariboo.
